National Days of Metal

With the National Day of Slayer now behind us, I was getting a little worried we'd have nothing to celebrate until June 6, 2011, as 6/6/11 is such a metal number. Metal fans are in luck! There are several metal holidays coming up.

Dime Day - Aug 20

What would have been slain Pantera/Damageplan guitarists birthday. The day began to be celebrated 8 months after his death and every year after.

Saints of Los Angeles Day - July 31

Probably my favorite metal day. I am still waiting on Hallmark to realize July 31 as Motley Crue's Saints of Los Angeles Day so I can send out cards to my family. 2008 saw Motley Crue announcing a big arena festival tour, Cruefest along with the release of their new album "Saint of Los Angeles". The Los Angeles City Council approved the day.

Dio Day - May 30

This was the first year for Dio Day observed in Los Angeles marking the date of Dio's memorial service.

Kiss Day - July 6

OK, this really isn't for the band, but I do think the KISS Army needs to officially take it over as it is a nationally recognized day.

National Slayer Day - June 6

This started on June 6, 2006 (known to metal fans as 6/6/6). It began on the internet by Slayer fans as Slayer was the most evil band with it's born again Christian vocalist??? and was adopted by the band and fans alike. I am not sure why we celebrate the date on 6/6/7 or any dates after that, but no one consulted me as usual.

Heavy Metal Day - May 29

Heavy Metal Day came to fruition in 1983 in the city of San Bernardino. Steve Wozniak (former Apple CEO) paid to bulldoze and create a new venue which became the Glen Helen Pavilion, Blockbuster Pavilion, Hyundai Pavilion, and now San Manuel Indian Casino and Gaming Pavilion. The 2nd year of the event added a Day of Metal on May 29 which became known to locals as Heavy Metal Day. The lineup for the day was Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Van Halen, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Triumph. Two deaths occurred on Metal Day along with 87 arrests. "It's an absolute zoo," said San Bernardino County Sheriff Floyd Tidwell. "This is a different kind of crowd than last year. They're a little more prone to violence and selling narcotics." Stand proud metal fans!

Ozzy Osbourne Day - Sept 10

In an effort to get The Prince of Darkness to attend the Sunset Music fest in West Hollywood, CA in 2009, promoters got the city of West Hollywood to dedicated September 10 to his honor.

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Tags:  heavy metal, National Day of Slayer, Slayer, Motley Crue, Heavy Metal Day

Jason Fisher    June 09, 2010